Page 81 of In the Dust

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Istep out of the perfume filled bathroom and find Colton standing against the city skyline backdrop. With his black suit, he blends in with the night sky; the twinkling lights almost surround him.

He may be a cowboy in the city, but damn does it look good on him.

“Stunning,” he breathes, his gaze panning up and down my body.

I do a little twirl. “Gina did an amazing job. This dress is gorgeous.” It hugs my body in all the right places, and the bottom hovers over the floor creating a romantic sweeping effect whenever I take a step.

He places the sheer black shawl over my shoulders. “I chose this one.” He nods. “I knew it would look amazing on you.”

I blush. “Where are we headed too?”

A crooked smile tilts his lips. He extends his arm, and I loop mine through it. “Since it’s our last night, I wanted to do something special.”

This whole trip has been special.

As we walk to the elevator, my heart skips a beat. Wait, something special? Is he going to propose? No, it’s much too soon.

I laugh to myself. We've been in love since before we even knew what love was.

He holds his hand up, beckoning a taxi with a whistle. As we climb in the back, I give him a nod. “You looked like you knew what you were doing back there.” I gesture with my chin towards the sidewalk.

“Yeah, yeah.” Colton throws his arm around me, snuggling our bodies closer together. “I’ve seen a few movies and always wanted to try it. Thought it wouldn't work.”

He tells the driver the name of a fancy restaurant that I haven’t been able to afford. Upon walking in, we’re seated in a dimly lit corner table with flickering candles dancing between us.

It still feels surreal having him here, mixing my old life with my new. But I know in my heart that he’s home. I laugh as he reads over the menu in his deep southern accent, and I blush as he places his hand over mine while we wait for our food.

My heart sings when he helps me up with a proud smile when we exit. He was proud to have me next to him, elated that I’m his girl in this big old city.

“I’m stuffed!” I clench my stomach. “Thank you so much.”

Colton slides his hand across my back, resting his palm along my hip. “Best date I’ve ever had.”

The streets are dark, but the storefront lights cast an ambient lighting over the sidewalk as we casually stroll through the city.

“Dixie?” A weary voice chimes from behind us.

I stop dead in my tracks as Colton’s grip tightens around me. I twist my body towards the familiar voice, “Brad.”

“Get lost before I punch you in the damn face.” Colton’s voice echoes through the streets.

“You look like shit.” I say, surprising myself.

He runs a hand through his disheveled hair, “I lost my job recently.”

He must’ve fucked up big time to be fired as a partner. “I call that karma.” I scrunch my face at him. “You should probably go find Valencia. Y’all are perfect for each other.”

“We were never serious. Besides, she wants nothing to do with me now.”

I let out a boisterous laugh. I’m kind of surprised by how little I care. “Goodbye, Brad.”

Quickly turning on my heel, I slide my arm through Colton’s, and we continue on our way. “I should’ve punched him.”

“Calm down, Cowboy.”

We pass by the coffee shop, and I grin. I imagine Colton there, sipping a quick coffee before running off to his corporate job. He would be so unhappy here, and I can’t deny that I wasn’t at my happiest here either. Willow Creek is a special place, filled with really amazing people. “We’re right by Gina’s studio here.”

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